Do-It-Yourself Energy Efficient Projects

Adriana GalueWolfgang Custom Finishes

2008

HOME ENERGY STATSBiggest energy consumers

Space heating – 34%Appliances and lighting – 34%Refrigerator – 8%Water Heating – 13%Electric A/C – 11%

Energy LossesConduction loss through solid materials

Wet ground increases conductive loss (water great conductor of heat)

Conduction and radiation loss through framing and window frames

Convection forces air out roof (light fixtures, ceiling fans, etc)

First Step – Gather InfoHome Energy Audit

Figure out where energy is being wasted ($300 - $500) Look at utility bills Ask about your concerns, comfort issues Visual inspection (top to bottom)

look for leaks, Check for insulation, Inspect windows, Inspect appliances

Perform blower door test / IR – how leaky is the house A good rating is 1000 – 1500 CFM

Perform Duct blast test - May lose 35% of heat through ducts

Make recommendations and hire professional retrofitters

Second Step - WeatherizeSeal leaks

Caulk all leaks / Seal windows and doors, outlets, plumbing penetrations

Seal ceiling penetration (recessed lighting, attic access doors)

HOW TO SEAL Large leaks use backer rod (larger than 3/8”) Liquid foam (window and door installation, gaps and cracks 1/8” –

½”, Big Gap – ½” – 1”) Caulk – Silicone is the best Weather stripping – many types depending on application Light switch / outlet cover gaskets Door Sweeps Seal HVAC Ducts with Mastic sealant

Third Step - InsulateONLY INSULATE AFTER SEALING AND

INSTALL CORRECTLY Reduce heat loss - Attic 30%, Walls 16-20%, Floors 5-

15%, Foundation, Windows Call building department for code and increase by 30% Call local builders, check EPA energy star Where to use

Attics – loose fill, blankets, liquid foam Walls – loose fill, blankets (if new), liquid foam Floors – Blankets (moisture barrier against floor) and liquid

foam Foundations – rigid board rated for burial Exterior sheathing – roofs and exterior walls

Fourth Step - Windows Plastic window coverings –reduce air infiltration Internal and external storm windows – made of plastic or glass

Insulate - Create an airspace between window and storm window Window replacement - Very expensive

Casement windows best option Want

Low U factor - reciprocal of R value, want 0.3 or lower double pane better to reduce conductivity of heat low-e coating (low emissivity) – microscopically thin layer of tin of metallic oxide that

reduces heat flow gas filled (argon or krypton) – increase R-value by 0.5 type of sash (not metal, want wood, vinyl, or fiberglass) warm edge space to insulate edge of class heat mirror film (like a third pane) low infiltration (air-tight) - Want under 0.3 Want higher condensation rating (between 0-100) heat gain coefficient to match application - want 0.4 to 0.55 or higher in intermediate

climates good visible transmittance (clear glass = 90%), want over 60% energy star qualified

Fifth Step - OtherEnergy Star appliances (water heater first)Minimize lighting –CFL’s, LED’sBehavioral changes (hand-wash dishes,

clothes line)Use radiant barriers / window shadesNatural ventilationUtilize fans to cool vs mechanical coolingProgrammable thermostatReduce Phantom loads

ConclusionAlways go for energy efficiency prior to

renewable energy technologiesSimple projects can add up to great savingsLook at projects that can do on own with

simple materials and a little labor